Argentine Stuffed Flank Steak: Matambre - Tyler Florence - Ty Fedak

photos by Ty Fedak

Ingredients

• 1 (2 1/2 pound) flank steak, trimmed
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 pound fresh spinach, washed and drained, stems trimmed
• 4 small thin carrots
• 4 large hard boiled eggs, peeled and quartered lengthwise
• 1 cup large pitted green Spanish olives, halved lengthwise
• 1 large onion, sliced into rings
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine (recommended: Argentine Malbec)
• 1 head garlic, halved
• 1 large onion, halved
• 1 handful fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 handful fresh oregano sprigs
• 2 bay leaves

Directions

Butterfly the steak by slicing lengthwise and opening it up like a book. Pound the meat gently with a mallet to flatten and even out the thickness; rub all sides with olive oil and generously season with salt and pepper.

With the steak lying lengthwise, scatter the spinach leaves evenly over the surface of the meat, leaving a 1-inch border all around. Arrange the carrots in long rows across the steak, about 2 inches apart. Put the egg strips and olives between the carrot rows. Scatter the onion rings and cheese over the filling, sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes. Carefully roll the meat up over the filling, from bottom to top, into a long thick cylinder (jellyroll-style.) Tie with butcher's twine to hold it together, as you would a roast.

Coat a large Dutch oven or pan with olive oil and put over moderate heat. Lay the stuffed steak in the hot oil and sear until browned on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour in the wine and enough water to come up almost to the top of the meat. Toss in the head of garlic, onion, and herbs to flavor the broth. Cover, and slowly simmer on medium-low heat until the meat is fork-tender, about 1 1/2 hours, turning the meat over once halfway through cooking. Taste the broth before serving and adjust spices, if necessary.

Transfer the matambre to a cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes. Remove the kitchen strings and cut crosswise into 1-inch slices – the colors of the filling will look absolutely gorgeous spiraled in the steak. Spoon some of the sauce over the meat and serve. Matambre is good hot, room temperature, or cold.